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The EU Social Dialogue with EFFAT First contact in 1996 at the initiative of EFFAT: reluctance from the employers side Launch of the informal social dialogue in 1998 : project based / results oriented / complements the national social dialogues

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Common objectives Better understanding of the functionning of the sector by both sides Promotion of the interests of the sector on the EU scene to the advantage of both sides Promotion of social values accross the sector

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Main achievements (1) 1998 : joint declaration in favour of a reduced VAT rate for the contract catering sector 1999: agreement on employment and training in the contract catering sector 2000: joint declaration on food hygiene and safety 2002: survey on employement and training in the contract catering

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Main achievements (2) 2003 : study on the national labour agreements specific to the contract catering sector 2004 : launch of the elaboration of the Guide to the economically most advantageous offer in the contract catering sector 2006 : publication of the Guide and launch of a specific web site

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Main achievements (3) 2007 : dissemination of the Guide at national level January 2007: agreement on CSR October 2007: common statement on the fight against obesity October 2007: launch of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee in the Contract Catering sector

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Main challenges To increase the visibility of our social dialogue To be more proactive at the political level To insure a greater involvement of the national members

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Main strenghts Mutual trust Cooperation spirit Flexible and straightforward way of working Concrete outputs and tangible results Longlasting support of the EU Commission